The plan was to leave the car at the gate and walk in to Bowmans Hill and camp on the river there. As the access road passes through Wollondilly River Station, I stopped there first to let them know I would be leaving my car there. The owner said she was happy for me to do that but that it was prohibited to camp there. I had read that they were thinking of phasing out camping, so decided to do the right thing and paid to camp at Wollondilly River Station. This meant I was now doing a day walk with a late start(midday) and I wouldnt have time to cross to the Tom's Island part of the reserve.
Signage at the start. Cant do lots but camping is not mentioned as prohibited.
Five minutes into the walk and a herd of 30plus goats.
The access road leaves the river and follows a higher route into Bowmans Hill and the river flats.
The river flats
Still no mention of camping not allowed.
Bowmans Hill homestead. There was a sign on the house fence saying no camping.
The River here is a series of long pools and short rock races.
I stopped for lunch at a larger boulder strewn section of the river.
Lunch in the shade.
I walked on further up the river but the road started to climb and I turned around here. Next time I'll continue straight on and cross the river and climb the ridge on Toms Island.
Back on the river flats near the homestead and more goats.
Late afternoon light on Perpendicular Rock overlooking the valley.
Camp for the night after my 13klm afternoon walk.
Up early the next morning I took a short walk back into the Nature Reserve but this time staying along the river.
Another nice mid week "weekend" even though my plans were thwarted. Seems to happen a bit.
C'est la vie
